I Corinthians 8 contains Inspiration’s message on benevolent provision. Of special focus is the phrase, “at this present time your abundance serves as assistance for their need” (verse 14). The Lord’s People saw a great need; they realized they were blessed, and this obligated them to give abundantly. The “abundance” was not in worldly goods because God commended them for “giving out of their poverty.” The result of their is stated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:12, “For the ministry of this service is…also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”
NOTE: The photos shown in this report (and all other communications) are NOT to be forwarded or published in any way! The environment and censorship requirements mandate that I make this point.
Featured Photo: A container loaded in Montgomery, AL on 26 March arrived and was unloaded in the Ivano-Frankivsk, UA warehouse. Volunteers are sorting and immediately distributing!
The brutal heat wave oppressing Europe that you read about in the media is real. Our temps the past few days have been between 98°F and 100°F. Today’s forecast again promises full sun and heat. I keep telling myself that I should be thankful that the suffocating humidity of the southern USA is not partnered with these temperatures. But that does little to alleviate the discomfort while walking in full sun. Those on the front lines, in full “battle rattle,” are amazing as they endure this weather.
A comical side of this European heat wave is how the “climate Chicken Littles” make sure there is a/c for the EU overlords while the serfs suffer (as seen in a news report out of Brussels that headlined, “‘Like Feudalism’: Eurocrats Reportedly Cut AC For Staffers – But Not Elite Officials”). This is just a continuing thread of the “elite” painting themselves as serving, when in reality they demand to be served! This hypocrisy is especially visible in reelection politics. Enough on this rant…
Our shipments have made significant impacts for the Lord’s Church ever since we began in 1995. When Russia invaded (beginning in 1994-1995), our shipments became more critical, and the respect and reputation of the Lord’s Church grew. It is because of these shipments that we have made significant connections that position us for open doors and warm reception. I am often asked to bring the Lord’s Church to many of the locations where we have delivered humanitarian commodities. Realistically, Americans cannot establish a congregation and leave. There must be Ukrainians willing to move and work in these locations. Sadly, there is a dearth of those willing to leave the large metropolitan areas and others have been enamored with the worldliness of the USA and do not want to return.
Our constant prayer is the same as the Lord’s, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2).
And then there is the Devil’s manipulation of discouragement of those involved. It is tragic for a responsible and faithful worker to feel “abandoned” when all has been sacrificed to serve the Lord. Paul confessed this abandonment in 2 Timothy 4:16.
The most recent container sent to Ivano-Frankivsk, UA is currently being sorted and delivered as fast as possible. Commodities from this container have thus far reached into Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv. Thankfully, we have developed a secure network for distribution to the critical places. Some are delivered by MEEST, and others are transported by runners who run the gauntlet of Russian drones. The medical supplies are urgently needed in triage stations, clinics, and hospitals.
The Family Buckets are delivered to those near the frontline who open the buckets and, with tears, take each item out as if it were a fragile treasure. This is an amazing sight, and I wish those of you who work on these bucket projects could see and hear the result of your work. Over and over you hear “Thank God, “Praise God.”
Clothing has been given to several elderly homes. More clothing will be sorted by the church members and then transported to various families, children’s homes, and IDP locations.
One further note on the featured photo…you will see “egg boxes” on the left. These contain first responder turnout gear. These were collected by our brother ALVIN CREASY of the Wayne Furnace Church of Christ in Waynesboro, TN. Alvin has been a steady help in our actions as he finds critical equipment and supplies.
I also want to give a special SHOUT OUT to C.U.R.E. (WestArk Church of Christ in Ft. Smith, AR) for their constant help in securing requested items and willingness to assist in any way.
AND…OF COURSE…I do not want to forget CHARITA SHTEYNBERG! Charita plays a most critical role in our actions. Truthfully, her logistical help is the key to our successes. I have enjoyed working with her ever since the “old days” in the Department of State’s SMTP!
We meet tonight in Bible study and continue our study of “The Devil’s strategies for destroying the Church.”
Approved photos are below—reread the note at the beginning of this report.
Again, I ask you to remember my trip in prayer with the Apostle’s request in Ephesians 6:19, “(O)n my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.”
John L. Kachelman, Jr., UKRAINE MISSIONS, Dalraida Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL
